Carnival to shut down P&O Cruises Australia brand
Carnival Corporation announced it is shutting down the P&O Cruises Australia brand as of March 2025.
It will fold the P&O Cruises Australia operations and two ships into flagship brand Carnival Cruise Line.
This follows the successful shift of three vessels from sister brand Costa Cruises.
“Despite increasing Carnival Cruise Line’s capacity by almost 25% since 2019, guest demand remains incredibly strong,” said Josh Weinstein, Carnival Corp CEO.
“We’re leveraging our scale by absorbing an entire brand into CCL.”
With the change Carnival Cruise Line will make up 35% of Carnival Corp’s total global capacity.
It says the realignment will strengthen the company’s performance in the South Pacific region through operational efficiencies.
It won’t have any impact on the existing UK based P&O Cruises brand.
“P&O Cruises Australia is a storied brand and we are extremely proud of everything we have accomplished together in Australia and the broader region,” said Weinstein.
“However, given the significantly higher operating and regulatory costs, we’re adjusting our approach to give us the efficiencies we need.”
Carnival says it remains committed to Australia and we will continue to be the largest cruise operator in the region representing nearly 60% of the market.
P&O Cruises Australia ships Pacific Encounter and Pacific Adventure will be rebranded and operated by Carnival Cruise Line.
Pacific Explorer will exit the fleet in February of 2025.
Current itineraries will operate as usual, and guests will be notified in the coming days of any changes to future bookings.
When the transition is complete next year, Carnival Cruise Line will have four ships based in the South Pacific, including Sydney-based Carnival Splendor and Carnival Luminosa sailing seasonally from Brisbane, in addition to new sister ships Encounter and Adventure.
“We look forward to building on the history and heritage of P&O Cruises Australia by bringing some of our innovations to more cruise guests in the region,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.
“While we plan to make some technology upgrades and other small changes, they will continue to be geared to the Australian market.”
“Over the coming months, we will find ways to celebrate and honor P&O Cruises Australia – a valued part of our legacy.”
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